Tagore Library is the central library of University of Lucknow which serves as a key support for learning, teaching, and research in all departments. The University feels that a good library is crucial for academic development, and hence the Canning College Library was upgraded and converted into the University’s central library when Lucknow University was founded in 1920. This marked the start of what is now Tagore Library.
Historical Background
Initially, the library occupied the Bennet Hall and surrounding rooms of the Canning College building that is currently used as the Faculty of Arts. In 1924, there was an added reading room provided to accommodate the students and readers.
The foundation stone of the current building of the library was laid in March 1937 by the then-Chancellor of the University, Sir Harry Haig. The University had reserved ₹1,50,000 for this purpose. The construction took a few years and finally took place on April 2, 1941, when it was inaugurated by Sir M. Hallet, who was both the Chancellor and Governor.
Subsequently, the building of the library was again enlarged and the new extension was opened on 9th March 1972, during the Golden Jubilee of the University, by Sri V.V. Giri, then President of India.
The Tagore Library was recently modernized and refurbished where the renovated area was formally inaugurated on 11 October 2024 by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Alok Kumar Rai.
Some of the highlights of the improvements are given below:
- A new life-size statue of Rabindranath Tagore
- A refurbished reading room with improved lighting and seating capacity for 360 readers
- An automated attendance system for convenient entry and record-keeping
- A new issue and return counter for books
- Improved ventilation to provide a comfortable atmosphere for readers
One of the highlights is a 10.5 feet high and 5 feet wide bust of Tagore designed by the renowned sculptor Asit Kumar Haldar, which provides cultural and artistic heritage to the library.
Honorary Librarian
Name: Prof. Keya Pandey
Position: Honorary Librarian, Tagore Library
Tagore Library remains a storehouse of knowledge for students, scholars, and members of the teaching staff where it harmonises its own heritage with technology to provide support to a generation of scholars for its academic demands.
The Cyber Library is a contemporary electronic learning center within Tagore Library, the university library of Lucknow University. The library was founded in 2019 where it is among the biggest digital libraries based at a university in India, and it has been set up to cater to increasing academic and research demands of students, researchers, and teachers.
It is situated on the ground floor of Tagore Library, the Cyber Library consists of 538 internet-connected computer terminals, providing smooth access to a vast array of electronic resources in all fields of study.
Purpose and Vision
The primary aim of the Cyber Library is to aggregate and centralize access to international open-access and subscription-based digital material with including:
- E-books
- E-journals
- Online databases
- Subject gateways
- Video lectures
- Legal and academic research tools
- Educational websites
This online platform facilitates the university community to undertake quality research, academic inquiry, and collaborative learning with simplicity and convenience.
Key Resources and Access
The Cyber Library gives access to more than 9,000 e-books and a vast collection of high-end databases from leading international publishers including:
- Springer Nature
- Elsevier
- Taylor & Francis
- Pearson
- ProQuest
- EBSCO
- Bibliotex
- World Technologies
- LexisNexis
- SCC Online
- Manupatra
- NotNul, and many others.
Besides, with its membership in INFLIBNET (e-ShodhSindhu) and DELNET, Cyber Library provides access to 8,000+ full-text scholarly journals, and extensive research support tools.
Why is the Cyber Library is Different?
- Seamless infrastructure with high-speed internet connection.
- Illuminated digital learning area with an emphasis on interdisciplinary access.
- Facilitates online learning, research, and discovery of resources.
- Central hub for research scholars, competitive exam aspirants, and faculty development.
Cyber Library is a testament to the University of Lucknow’s vision in bringing about a digitally equipped academic environment which is equipping its students and researchers with the facilities to remain at the forefront of an international knowledge-driven age.